Asked by: IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore
WAT Topic: "Should India prioritize space exploration over poverty alleviation?" - political category, medium difficulty. Consider 2 perspectives for a balanced essay.
Reference Chandrayaan-3 success and spending comparison. State: false dichotomy.
Para 1: Why this is a false choice (budget comparison)
Para 2: Benefits of space program beyond prestige
Para 3: How space and development can coexist
India can and should do both. The budget isn't the constraint.
ISRO budget: ₹13,000 crore (0.05% of GDP)
MGNREGA budget: ₹60,000 crore
Chandrayaan-3 cost: ₹615 crore (less than many movies)
Accepting the false dichotomy
Not knowing ISRO's budget is tiny
Ignoring practical benefits (weather, communication, GPS)
Always compare ISRO budget to other spending (MGNREGA, defense). The dichotomy is false.
Rhetoric (4th Century BC)
Insight: Persuasion requires ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) working together.
How to apply: Structure your WAT with logical arguments (logos), establish credibility through data/examples (ethos), and connect to human impact (pathos). IIM evaluators look for all three.
Made to Stick (2007)
Insight: Ideas that stick are Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and tell Stories (SUCCESs).
How to apply: Open with an unexpected fact or angle. Use concrete examples, not abstractions. Ground arguments in credible data. Make it memorable.
The Sense of Style (2014)
Insight: Good writing is about showing the reader something in the world, not performing your knowledge.
How to apply: Don't write to impress—write to illuminate. Avoid jargon and pompous language. Show you understand the issue, don't just list points.
Politics and the English Language (1946)
Insight: Clear thinking leads to clear writing. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
How to apply: Prefer active voice. Cut unnecessary words. If you can cut a word, cut it. Clarity beats complexity in 200-word essays.
Values original thinking and nuanced positions over conventional wisdom.
Tip: IIMA loves contrarian but well-reasoned takes. Don't be afraid to challenge the premise of the topic itself.
Practical, business-oriented evaluation. Values structured thinking.
Tip: IIMB appreciates when you connect topics to business/management implications. Always include "so what" for managers.
Rigorous analytical approach. Values data and economic reasoning.
Tip: IIMC loves numbers. Include at least one relevant statistic. Show you understand economic trade-offs.
Balanced evaluation of content and expression.
Tip: IIML values clear structure. Use explicit transitions and signposting.
Ethics-focused, values human-centric perspectives.
Tip: XLRI's Jesuit heritage means they value ethical dimensions. Always consider the human/social impact angle.
There's no "right" stance. What matters is taking a clear position and defending it well. Always compare ISRO budget to other spending (MGNREGA, defense). The dichotomy is false.
This topic has been asked by: IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore.
Reference Chandrayaan-3 success and spending comparison. State: false dichotomy. Your body should cover: Para 1: Why this is a false choice (budget comparison); Para 2: Benefits of space program beyond prestige; Para 3: How space and development can coexist.
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